6 reasons to consider a Class 6 service truck

When you think of lube trucks, you probably picture a large Class 7 or Class 8 tandem-axle truck. They’ve long been the norm on jobsites around the country. With GVWRs up to 33,000 pounds (Class 7) and 33,001+ pounds (Class 8), these truck styles can include fuel and lube combinations — as well as high-capacity lube-only bodies.

While Class 7 and Class 8 trucks are a great fit for many operations, crews that don’t need to transport fuel or DEF might be better suited for a more compact truck body. In fact, more contractors, dealers and rental companies are choosing Class 6 service trucks with GVWRs up to 26,000 pounds as they discover the cost and efficiency benefits.

A Class 6 Sage Oil Vac lube truck body helps transform a Ford F-600, Chevrolet 6500 or any 26,000-pound GVWR truck into a heavy-duty maintenance vehicle.

6 reasons to consider a Class 6 service truck

1. No CDL required

Anyone who operates a lube truck that weighs above 26,000 pounds needs to have a valid CDL. Weighing in at a maximum 26,000 pounds, a Class 6 service truck does not require operators to have a CDL. It’s no secret that drivers who possess a CDL are in short supply as demand for their services continues to grow. Adding a Class 6 truck to your fleet significantly expands your potential labor pool.

2. Easy to navigate

A single-axle non-CDL Class 6 service truck offers enhanced maneuverability on tight or crowded jobsites. These lighter weight trucks can also perform better than larger tandem-axle trucks in rough terrain. The Chevrolet 6500, Ford F-600 and International 6500 that Sage Oil Vac currently stocks are four-wheel drive. This adds mobility seldom seen with a larger truck due to the steer axle that is also a drive axle.

In these instances, the smaller Class 6 service truck can be more productive than a larger lube truck. If you must often travel between jobsites and encounter difficult terrain, the Class 6 truck may be your best choice.

3. Built for efficiency

Depending on the applications you’ll use a service truck for, a non-CDL Class 6 service truck may operate more efficiently. For instance, the smaller displacement engines consume less fuel when driving long distances between jobsites.

Sage Oil Vac further increases efficiency with its pump-free vacuum technology. The system pulls oil quickly and efficiently from the equipment without any moving parts. An enclosed, non-vented system protects the operator and the environment — helping eliminate spills. Clean, sealed tanks also mean less contaminants are introduced into fresh fluids, while the pump-free system translates into faster exchanges and a lower cost of ownership.

4. Equipped with the operator in mind

Just because a non-CDL Class 6 service truck is smaller doesn’t mean it compromises on features. The Class 6 Sage Oil Vac lube body comes with everything you need to get the job done, plus all the bells and whistles. Five fresh product tanks can be configured for any fluids. To optimize weight savings, the body is constructed of steel sub frame with aluminum cabinets and components.

For operator convenience, Sage Oil Vac non-CDL Class 6 trucks offer LED fluid level indicators and controls in the cabinet where fluid reels are located. The Sage Oil Vac Used Filter Receptacle™ comes standard with the Sage Oil Vac 55AB-6200. This exclusive accessory allows users to drain used filters and quickly vacuum the used oil into a designated tank with the turn of a valve. The truck also includes a Filter Stinger™ for puncturing and vacuuming oil from used oil filters, and a five-drawer mechanics drawer set for efficient tool storage.

5. Less up-front investment

While investing in Class 7 and Class 8 service truck chassis makes sense for many operations, a non-CDL Class 6 lube truck offers another option for preventive maintenance. Without wasted extra capacity, utilization costs can decrease. Lower upfront costs paired with higher utilization translates into a higher return on investment. You can calculate the total weight of the products you’ll be carrying to help assess your needs before automatically sizing up your next truck.

6. Optimized solution

Class 5 trucks with GVWRs up to 19,500 lbs., such as the Ford F-550, have traditionally been the go-to solution when outfitting a service truck that doesn’t require a CDL to operate. The latest generation of Class 6 vehicles, such as the Ford F-600 and Chevrolet 6500, offer a similar price with additional capacity. In many cases, this makes the Sage Oil Vac non-CDL Class 6 lube body an optimal solution.

Finding the right solution for your operation

There’s no one-size-fits-all lube truck, and you can’t tell if a truck is the right fit for your operation just by looking at it. Jobsite maneuverability, the upfront investment, utilization and the ability to find drivers all play critical roles in sizing the best lube truck for your application. Contact Sage Oil Vac to determine which truck is right for you — or start by checking out our tips on finding the right lube truck for your needs.